Former India opener Sunil Gavaskar on Saturday led a galaxy of cricketing greats in praising record-smashing Sachin Tendulkar, saying his compatriot had always been an extraordinary batsman.
Tendulkar became the leading scorer in Tests on Friday when he shattered retired West Indies captain Brian Lara's record of 11,953 runs during his 88 against Australia in the second Test in Mohali.

India's Sachin Tendulkar is celebrating breaking Brian Lara's world record for most runs in Test cricket, but he lags behind the West Indian when it comes to playing marathon innings.
Tendulkar surpassed the retired Lara's mark of 11,953 runs during the second Test against Australia in Mohali on Friday, but would dearly love to match a couple of "batathons" played by the left-hander.

Pakistan cricket greats Saturday showered praise on Indian batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar becoming Test cricket's leading run-maker, saying his feat is a matter of pride for the sub-continent.
Tendulkar overtook retired West Indian Brian Lara's tally of 11,953 runs on the first day of the second Test against Australia at Mohali on Friday.

Former England batsman Geoff Boycott on Friday saluted record-breaking Sachin Tendulkar but insisted Australian legend Don Bradman was the greatest run-maker of all time.
Boycott believes Tendulkar, who crossed Brian Lara's tally of 11,953 Test runs in the second Test against Australia in Mohali to take his total to 12,027, will keep the record for some time.

India's President and Prime Minister on Thursday led a grateful nation in paying glowing tributes to record-smashing batsman Sachin Tendulkar.
"I am extremely delighted and proud that you have reached the pinnacle of achievement in cricket today by becoming the highest run-getter in Tests," President Pratibha Patil said in a message to Tendulkar.